Everything's Famtastic

October 26, 2023March 27, 2024

Popular Book Series for Tween Boys They’ll Love to Read

Hey there, fellow bookworms and parents on the lookout for captivating reads! If you’re in search of the perfect chapter books for boys aged 9-12, you’re in the right place. I know that choosing the perfect book can sometimes be a challenge, but that’s what I’m here to help with!

What makes these recommendations so special? Well, they’ve been carefully considered by a young book lover (AKA my son 😅) right in this age group! You might already know that all 3 of my children are book ~~addicts~~ connoisseurs… Who better to guide you through the adventurous realms, fantastic plots, and captivating characters than a boy who’s been there and read that?!?

In this blog post, we’re diving into a world of fantasy, packed with thrilling adventures, brave (and funny!) heroes, and suspenseful stories that will keep your own young reader turning the pages.

So, get ready to embark on a fun journey that combines laughs, thrills, excitement, and the joy of reading. It’s time to discover the best chapter books for boys aged 9 to12!

October 12, 2023October 8, 2023

Scrap Sensation: 10 Creative Fabric Sewing Projects to Love

You know those little fabric scraps that seem to multiply in my your 😅 sewing room like rabbits in a magic hat? Well, it’s time to pull them out from the depths of your stash because I’ve got the solutions you’ve been looking for.

In this blog post, I’m diving into the world of small-scale sewing projects that put those itsy-bitsy (and not so tiny) fabric remnants to good use. No need to part with those precious pieces just yet – let’s turn them into something cool, useful, and, most importantly, easy and quick to make.

So, grab your scraps, fire up your sewing machine, and let’s get down to some fun, frugal, and fabulously creative sewing!

September 28, 2023September 27, 2023

Easy Beginner Decor Projects You’ll Want to Sew for Your Home

Are you ready to infuse your living space with a personal touch that reflects your unique style and creativity? Whether you’re a seasoned sewing pro or just sitting down to thread your sewing machine needle for the first time, there’s a world of exciting home decor possibilities awaiting you. From custom throw pillows to stunning table linens and beyond, sewing your own home decor can be both a rewarding and budget-friendly way to jazz up your living space.

In this blog, you’re about to discover a bundle of easy sewing projects for your home. No need for a super fancy sewing machine or years of experience; these projects are designed with beginners in mind (lots of straight lines ahead! 😉), but they’re equally appealing to seasoned crafters looking for quick and satisfying sewing projects.

Get ready to explore the wonderful world of sewing your own home decor and discover how a few simple steps can transform your living space.

Psst! For specific occasions like Christmas or Spring etc I’ve also got loads of home décor ideas you can make. Just follow the links at the bottom of this blog post. 👍

September 14, 2023September 14, 2023

Awesome Animal Costumes to Easily Make for Your Kids

There’s something awesome about watching your child transform into their favourite animal right in front of you. The precious look on their faces as they play and prance is unforgettable.

And of course, the pride you feel after finishing such an amazing, creative outfit also makes all the imagining and planning worth it.

Over the years I have made dozens and dozens of costumes as requested by my kids, from pirates to devils to Hermoine and the Incredible Hulk. And they have loved every single one of them!

Whether it’s a last-minute costume for a school play, a Halloween party, or just a rainy afternoon project, sewing costumes is not only a delightful endeavour but also a chance to bond with your child and create cherished memories.

So, grab your fabrics, scissors, needles and imagination, and read on to discover how you too can easily sew an ~~roarsome~~ awesome animal costume for your kids!

August 31, 2023September 1, 2023

Sewing: how to get creative & learn lessons for life

Since I embarked on my sewing journey a few years back, my life has been enriched by my newfound creative outlet and plenty of “Look at this, I made it myself! I’m so proud!” moments.

What began with much uncertainty and bundles of nerves has grown into a much-loved hobby that continues to teach me lessons away from the sewing machine and wobbling piles of fabric.

People start sewing for all number of reasons: financial necessity, social connections, self-expression and more.

For me, it was wanting a creative outlet, to meet like-minded people and to discover whether I was able to make clothes for my children that set them apart from all the store-bought clothes everyone else seemed to be wearing.

As I reflect on my sewing progress, I can see that I have learned much more than *how to thread a needle*. I’ve also gained qualities that help me personally and while managing a busy family household.

In this blog post, I’m sharing with you my top 5 lessons learned via my sewing adventures.

August 17, 2023April 3, 2024

Clever & creative ideas to easily reuse your old towels

As a busy mother of 3 kids, there are times when I look around our family home and am shocked by the amount of stuff we have. Piles and piles of books, clothes splayed out on the kids’ bedroom floors, overflowing, disorganised cupboards… urgh.

That’s when I get all ranty and demand we start clearing out and organising some of our possessions.

But when I say “clearing out” I don’t mean throwing out. To our family, it means finding new life or new homes for our unwanted things.

As someone who loves sewing, I tend to squirrel away bits and pieces of unwanted textiles during our “clearing out” phases that I can upcycle sometime, somehow. (That’s one of the advantages of being able to sew, right?)

So, while “clearing out” recently I discovered that my collection of rescued old ratty towels was larger than I remembered it being 🙈. I decided I needed to find myself some DIY projects to make a couple of useful things out of them.

Which lead to me scouring the internet for ideas for myself. And then of course I had to share some of my favourite finds with you here!

And since I am all about simple sewing projects that are low-stress and no fuss, I’m know you’ll find something perfect for you and your old towels, no matter how advanced (or not) your sewing skills are!

Take a look for yourself and give your old towels a new lease on life with these fun upcycling sewing projects!

August 3, 2023August 18, 2023

Upcycling sewing project: How to turn your old towels into drawstring bags!

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself at the sewing machine when my kids need something. Sure, of course I enjoy sewing simply for the fun of it or because I discovered some amazing fabric I couldn’t bear to leave behind at the fabric store and I wanted something just for ME.

But there are frequent times when necessity really is the push behind creating a sewing pattern.

Like recently, when my kids were packing to go away camping and we realised that they each needed a bag to stuff in their plates, bowls, mugs, cutlery and tea towels. Something that could get banged around and dirty, but keep the contents inside clean, could fit in a suitcase with all their other gear, and still be suitable to go through the washing machine at the end of their outdoor adventure.

And that is where my idea for sewing drawstring bags came from.

I had been saving a stack of old, thinning, fraying bathroom towels for a handy upcycling project and a drawstring bag was perfect!

This sewing project will only take you about ½ an hour requires nothing but sewing straight lines! Which makes it perfect for all levels of sewing fans, even nervous newbies!

(If you’re on the lookout for more simple sewing fun, take a look at my other straight lines sewing projects .

Ready to put your old towels to good use too? Environmentally-friendly AND easy? Yes please! I have got the perfect, easy-to-follow sewing tutorial for you!

July 20, 2023April 10, 2024

How to sew a pocket tissue holder in 15 minutes!

Do you have the feeling that life just seems to be getting busier? Like, who’s got time to remember to pack every single thing for the family when leaving the house, let alone for yourself?!? And never mind not having a lot of time for your own hobbies (for me, that’s sewing!) like you used to…

I get it! As a permanent ~~servant~~ mum of 3 kids, I am constantly looking for ways to streamline and simplify our family needs, so when it’s time to do anything at home, on the go, or on holidays I know what we need, that it’s going to be practical and that we can find it easily.

Do you know what every family needs every single day? Tissues!

Do you know a cute way to always have tissues at the ready and not in the black hole of your car or handbag? A sturdy, compact, fabric tissue holder!

Get ready to be amazed by how easy and quick it is to sew your own pocket-sized tissue holder! Even if you’re new to sewing, this project is perfect for building your confidence and you won’t need any fancy equipment.

June 8, 2023April 28, 2024

Summertime Survival: 15 Hilarious Memes Every Parent Can Relate To

Ah, summer break—that glorious time of year filled with endless possibilities, when school is out, and the kids are home for a couple of months. As mums, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of this sunny season, envisioning lazy days, trips to the beach, family vacations, and plenty of quality time with our little ones.

But let’s be real for a moment: parenting during summer break isn’t always the picture-perfect experience we dream of it being.

While summer brings plenty of fun and unforgettable moments, it also presents unique *ahem* challenges for parents. From managing the kids’ boundless energy (and appetites!) to finding ways to keep them entertained and ensuring they stay safe in the water and under the burning sun, summer parenting requires a whole new level of creativity and resourcefulness.

And patience. Lots and lots of patience. 😅

We all know that laughter is the best medicine, and what better way to stay sane in the chaos of summer parenting than through laugh-out-loud memes?

Whether you’re a seasoned parent or a newbie navigating your first summer break with the kids you’ll surely get a kick out of these 15 hilarious, summertime parenting memes.

If you’re also after some practical tips for getting ready for travel with the kids or simply some fun, easy ways to keep them entertained this summer, I’ve got you covered too!

Let the laughter (and packing!) begin!

May 25, 2023May 24, 2023

Unlocking Sewing Success: Why Tracking your Sewing Projects is so Valuable

Does the phrase “Dear Diary…” bring back any teen memories for you? Those youthful moments of recording your wishes, worries, dreams, and memorable experiences? 🥰

Keeping a journal isn’t just for teenagers anymore and there isn’t only one right way to write out your plans, gratitude and hopes.

Just search around online and be prepared to be overwhelmed. 😳 You’ll find all sorts of ideas from bullet journals, gratitude journals, dream diaries, travel diaries and more.

But what does this have to do with sewing? 🤔

Do you ever find yourself knee-deep in a whirlwind of exciting projects and ideas, always buzzing with inspiration and itching to create something awesome?

Well, my creative friend, I have a little secret that can help you make the most out of your creative journey: keeping a sewing journal.